Minister of Agriculture Reviews Key Rehabilitation Projects in Aden

Minister of Agriculture Reviews Key Projects in Aden

Today, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Fisheries, Salem Al-Saqtri, conducted a visit to several vital rehabilitation projects in the temporary capital of Aden. The purpose of this visit was to assess the progress of ongoing projects and to enhance the efficiency of infrastructure within the agricultural sector, thereby improving local production and bolstering the national economy.

Rehabilitation of Agricultural Equipment Factory

Accompanied by Deputy Ministers Abdul Malik Naji and Ahmed Al-Zamki, Minister Al-Saqtri toured the rehabilitation project of the agricultural equipment factory. This initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has a total investment of $105,000, funded by the German Federal Ministry through the German Development Bank.

During the visit, the factory’s General Manager, Engineer Mohammed Qahtan, provided a comprehensive overview of the production process. The facility has a daily production capacity of approximately five tons, with an annual peak output of around 450 tons of various wire types. These products include gabions designed for soil erosion protection, quadrilateral nets, fencing nets, and barbed wire. Minister Al-Saqtri underscored the factory’s significance in strengthening agricultural infrastructure, creating job opportunities, and decreasing reliance on imports by supplying high-quality local products.

Diverse Projects to Strengthen Agricultural Capabilities

The minister also reviewed the rehabilitation project of the central workshop located in the agricultural complex in Dar Saad District. This facility specializes in the manufacturing of barrier gates and water dams, with a project cost of $395,000, also supported by UNDP. Al-Saqtri emphasized the critical role of these projects in bolstering disaster response capabilities, particularly in flood situations.

Furthermore, the minister was informed about the final finishing works at the Central Veterinary Laboratory and Food Safety facility. This project entails the construction of a new two-story building, costing $709,000 and funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). He visited various sections of the laboratory, which plays a crucial role in testing animal and plant products to ensure food safety.

Training and Development in the Agricultural Sector

In addition to these initiatives, Minister Al-Saqtri visited the General Administration of Agricultural Guidance and Training, along with the General Administration of Animal Health and Veterinary Quarantine. He observed the workflow in both departments and attended a training session for veterinarians from various provinces. The minister encouraged them to continuously enhance their skills and make use of modern technologies, particularly in the central laboratory, to improve performance and services within the agricultural and livestock sectors.

The advancements in these projects are expected to significantly impact the agricultural landscape in Aden, fostering both economic growth and food security.